Physical Inactivity, Overweight, and Obese: An Unhealthy Relationship

What do physical inactivity, over weight, and obesity mean to you?

It's hard to answer this question without knowing what these buzz words mean so let's start with definitions.

Physical inactivity: lack of any regular pattern of physical activity beyond that required for daily functioning. Physical inactivity is the primary cause of being overweight and/or obese.

Overweight: generally defined as having more body fat than optimally healthy.

Obesity: a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse affect on health leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.

Here's a bit of information as to how physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity work together to create health problems. Don't become or continue to be part of these obesity facts, enroll now in Habit 4 Health's Boot Camp programs or contact your employer for us to bring our programs to you at work!

Problem: 67% of Americans are overweight and of them, 50% are obese. Therefore, 33% of American adults are obese. (Center for Disease Control)

Solution: Enroll now in Habit 4 Health's Boot Camp program and talk to your employer about Habit 4 Health bringing our successful programs directly to you and your co-workers at work! We will teach you not be another overweight and obese statistic by introducing you to fun physical activity and healthy eating!

Statistics

What causes me to be overweight or obese?

• behaviors such as eating too many calories or not getting enough physical activity.
• environment and culture (bigger portion sizes, using a car to get everywhere rather than walking, little time to exercise or cook healthy meals)
• genes

What are the health affects of being overweight or obese?

- heart disease - stroke -Type 2 diabetes - high blood pressure -breathing problems

- arthritis -gallbladder problems -some kinds of cancer

What is the best way for me to lose weight?

Be physically active and make healthier food choices! Habit 4 Health's Boot Camp programs help you accomplish both!

According to the CDC, a physically active lifestyle can reduce your risk of early death from a variety of causes. There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can reduce your risk of the negative health affects mentioned above (heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, etc).

Regular physical activity can also improve your cardiorespiratory (heart, lungs, and blood vessels) and muscular fitness as well as improve mental function.

Regular physical activity also helps:

• improve functional health
• reduce waistline size
• lower risk of hip fracture
• lower risk of lung cancer
• maintain weight after weight loss
• increase bone density
• increase sleep quality

Make healthier food choices.

• focus on fruits
• vary your veggies
• get your calcium rich foods
• make half your grains whole
• go lean with proteins
• limit saturated fats

Kick Start Healthy Habits today and do NOT become one of the negative statistics above! Be sure to post comments and help each other succeed at this goal!